Show Times

"Kimberly Reed’s taut documentary is also damning, clear-eyed, and as gripping as any John Grisham thriller." — Leah Greenblatt, Entertainment Weekly

"With punchy, potent dispatch, Reed illuminates the landscape. The admirable clarity of her documentary allows maximum insight as well as maximum outrage. Culprits are named; schemes are floodlit. Only the dullest viewer could fail to engage with Reed’s superb nonfiction thriller." — Ray Pride, Newcity

Six years in the making, and as tense as any thriller, this in-depth investigation into how the political fabric of the state of Montana was distorted by the 2010 Supreme Court ruling declaring corporations people has nationwide implications. Starting back in 1912, Montana shed the influence and control of mining companies, passing tight campaign laws that brought about a squeaky clean political process and a citizen legislature. For decades the state government was a model of transparency and accountability, until, in the wake of the high court decision, a flood of Citizen United money ushered in a new era of staggering corruption. Filmmaker Reed follows parallel efforts in Wisconsin and Washington, DC, as Montana is subjected to massive systematic meddling in state and local elections, involving smears, fear tactics, and intimidation, with moderate incumbents and candidates of both parties targeted. DCP digital. (BS)